COURTESY
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Barbara Jean Comtois, 78, of Edgebrook Park, formerly of 19 Burt Street, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Barbara was born on April 20, 1940 in Barre, Vermont, the daughter of Americo “Mac” and Dorotha (Edwards) Gioria. She was a graduate of Spaulding High School in 1958, earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics education from the University of Vermont in 1962, making the dean’s list, and was a teacher at Bellows Falls High School and Bellows Falls Union High School for 30 years. During her tenure she made many championship banners for the BFUHS gymnasium and was awarded District Home Economics Teacher. She was a member of the Alpha Chapter #53 Order of the Eastern Star, the Bellows Falls Woman’s Club, and the United Church of Bellows Falls where she served as deacon, Christian Ed Comm, and also on the Mission Board. She was proud to have been awarded 1992 Mother of the Year, of being president and co-president of the Woman’s Club, and mentoring cancer patients. Barbara enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafts, knitting, baking, playing piano, listening to music, doing jigsaw puzzles, and angel, handkerchief, and miniature Christmas card collecting. She always treasured her family, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Lake Dunmore gatherings. She also enjoyed dinner with friends on Friday nights and attending the numerous sporting events, concerts, and art shows of her grandchildren and great grandchild. Barbara also enjoyed many trips to Nova Scotia as well as a trip to England and a cruise to Bermuda.
On June 13, 1964 she married Richard Comtois who predeceased her in 2009. Barbara is survived by her children James R Comtois and wife Kim and Jean M. Illingworth and husband Geoff, all of Westminster, Vermont; her brother Robert of Graniteville, Vermont; her sister Elizabeth Brent of North Port, Florida; her grandchildren Elizabeth Comtois, Rachel Comtois, Ethan Illingworth, Brady Illingworth, Madisyn Illingworth, and Samantha Comtois; great grandson Cody Randall; and several nephews and nieces.
It was Barbara’s wish that people do not wear black to her services. There will be calling hours 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, June 22 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at the United Church of Bellows Falls. A private burial will be held in the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Comtois Family Scholarship c/o Thomas Chisamore, TD Bank, 2 Church Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont.
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